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"We are extremely pleased with the excellent pet sitting service you provided. Most important, of course, was the (very obvious) loving care you gave our beloved retired racers. And with all the extras, it gave us complete peace of mind to fully enjoy our vacation. Thank you so much." Pat S. Raleigh, NC

Guidelines To Follow During Equine EmergenciesThis article is provided with the permission of the American Association of Equine Practitioners.For more resources about your horse’s health, visit www.aaep.org/horseowner.

A Bayer Animal Health Brochure

Revised February 2011

If you own horses long enough, sooner or later you are likely to confront a medical emergency. There are several behavioral traits that make horses especially accident-prone: one is their instinctive flight-or-fight response; another is their dominance hierarchy -- the need to establish the pecking order within a herd; and a third is their natural curiosity. Such behaviors account for many of the cuts, bruises, and abrasions that horses suffer. In fact, lacerations are probably the most common emergency that horse owners must contend with. There are other types of emergencies as well, such as colic, foaling difficulties, acute lameness, seizures, and illness. As a horse owner, you must know how to recognize serious problems and respond promptly, taking appropriate action while awaiting the arrival of your veterinarian.

RECOGNIZING SIGNS OF DISTRESS

When a horse is cut or bleeding, it's obvious that there is a problem. But in cases of colic, illness, or a more subtle injury, it may not be as apparent. That's why it's important to know your horse's normal vital signs, including temperature, pulse and respiration (TPR), as well as its normal behavior patterns. You must be a good observer so that you readily recognize signs of ill health.

WHAT'S NORMAL?

There will be variations in individual temperature, pulse and respiration values. Take several baseline measurements when the horse is healthy, rested, and relaxed. Write them down and keep them within easy reach, perhaps with your first aid kit, so you have them to compare to in case of an emergency. Normal ranges for adult horses are:

Know in advance the most direct route to an equine surgery center in case you need to transport the horse.

Post the names and phone numbers of nearby friends and neighbors who can assist you in an emergency while you wait for the veterinarian.

Prepare a first aid kit and store it in a clean, dry, readily accessible place. Make sure that family members and other barn users know where the kit is.

Also keep a first aid kit in your horse trailer or towing vehicle, and a pared-down version to carry on the trail.

FIRST AID KITS

First aid kits can be simple or elaborate, but there are some essential items. Here is a short list to get yours started. (*Material that should be sterile.

*Cotton roll

*Contact bandage

*Cling wrap

*Gauze pads, assorted sizes

*Gauze wrap

Adhesive wrap and adhesive tape

Leg wraps

Sharp scissors

Hemostats

Steel cup or container

Rectal thermometer with string and clip attached

Surgical scrub and antiseptic solution

Latex gloves

Flashlight and spare batteries

Permanent marker pen

Pliers (to pull nails)

6" diameter PVC tubing cut in half the long way (like a gutter) into lengths of 1-1 /2 to 2 feet (for emergency splinting)

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